At CBHA, we pride ourselves on supporting our employees’ growth, both professionally and personally. One shining example of this is Suleyma Barajas, a dedicated team member whose career journey has been nothing short of inspiring. From starting as a WIC Clerk to earning a Bachelor’s in Psychology while working full-time, Suleyma’s story is a testament to perseverance, support, and the power of education.

From WIC Clerk to Case Manager: A Career of Growth

Suleyma’s CBHA journey began on February 17, 2014, when she joined as a WIC Clerk, helping families access vital nutrition services. Over time, her role evolved. She became a Community Health Worker in the Maternity Support Services (MSS) program, then took on additional certifications as a birthing educator, breastfeeding counselor, and car seat technician. Today, Suleyma has been promoted to Case Manager, where she supports patients through prenatal care and connects them with essential services.

Reflecting on her growth, Suleyma shares, “My role at CBHA has expanded in so many ways, and I’ve grown both personally and professionally. The supportive environment here has given me the confidence to keep moving forward.”

GCU: Education Meets Flexibility

While excelling at CBHA, Suleyma also pursued her Bachelor’s in Psychology at Grand Canyon University (GCU). Balancing work and school wasn’t easy, but GCU’s flexible online program made it possible. Suleyma graduated on October 16, 2024, with her degree, which has already enhanced her ability to support patients as a Case Manager.

“My degree has helped me understand human behavior, which is crucial when working with patients facing mental health challenges,” she explains. “It’s made me better at communicating and handling difficult situations with patients.”

CBHA’s Support: Making It All Possible

CBHA’s partnership with GCU played a huge role in Suleyma’s success. Through the Ed Bucks program, she received financial support, and the flexible work schedule allowed her to manage both responsibilities. “The education discount from CBHA really helped me afford my degree. Without it, I’m not sure I could have done it,” she says.

Thanks to CBHA’s commitment to education, Suleyma could focus on her career while advancing her studies, a luxury many employees don’t have without support.

Excited for the Next Step: Case Manager

As Suleyma prepares to take on her new role as Case Manager, she feels ready to use her education and experience to make an even bigger impact. “I’m excited to work more closely with patients and create individualized care plans,” she says. “I’ve learned so much through my education, and I’m ready to apply it to help my patients in new ways.”

Advice for Other CBHA Employees

Balancing work and school can be tough, but Suleyma has some advice for others at CBHA thinking about going back to school: “Take advantage of the resources at CBHA, especially the education discount. It’s not easy, but with time management and support from your team, it’s definitely worth it. Invest in yourself and your future—it’ll pay off.”

Looking Ahead: More Growth, More Impact

Suleyma’s journey is far from over. She sees her future at CBHA expanding into leadership roles, and perhaps even pursuing a master’s degree. “I’m excited for the next chapter,” she says. “I want to keep growing and help others along the way. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, but I know there’s so much more to come.”

A Story of Success and Support

Suleyma’s story is one of hard work, dedication, and the support of both CBHA and GCU. She’s made a lasting impact on her patients and her team, and her journey is a perfect example of how investing in education can lead to both personal and professional growth. We’re proud to have Suleyma on the CBHA team and look forward to seeing what she achieves next!

We want our employees to be successful in their goals. Their growth as employees furthers the growth of CBHA as a whole, so we encourage our staff to gain more knowledge and skills in every way they can. Our leadership team will always be behind them, supporting and cheering them on until they get to where they want to be.

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